It's become common knowledge that Anthony Davis would like the Los Angeles Lakers to improve the depth at center. Whether that enhancement will arrive via internal development or a trade remains to be seen, but Los Angeles has seemingly taken the request to heart.
As the Lakers return to the trade market for an upgrade at center, a remarkable possibility has suddenly been presented—if the franchise is willing to pay top dollar.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has acknowledged that he would be willing to part with draft capital in a trade for the right player. Los Angeles will likely look to limit the loss of long-term assets, however, and could thus prioritize a role player over a rising star.
The door opened for the latter to transpire, however, when Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun isn't receiving the financial consideration he's looking for.
"There's not a max contract on the table right now." 👀 @ShamsCharania on the Rockets' contract negotiations with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun ✍️ pic.twitter.com/gJlxO1NpqP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 18, 2024
Sengun hasn't yet surfaced in trade rumors, but if he and the Rockets are unable to come to terms on an extension, the Lakers should exhaust every resource to bring him to Los Angeles.
Alperen Sengun would give the Lakers the best interior duo in the NBA
Los Angeles is no stranger to the value that a great big man can provide. It's won 17 championships, due in no small part to the presence of current and future Hall of Famers such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Davis, Pau Gasol, and Shaquille O'Neal.
It's also familiar with the value provided by a great interior combination, with Andrew Bynum, Gasol, and Lamar Odom helping the team go back-to-back in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Comparing Davis and Sengun to a group that won two championships would be wildly premature, but history supports Los Angeles' ability to build in this manner. It also doesn't hurt that Davis is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA.
By adding Sengun to the mix, the Lakers would address their ranking of No. 30 in offensive rebounding and add a potential All-Star to help anchor the present day and future of the franchise.
At 22 years of age, Sengun has already established himself as one of the most dynamic big men in the NBA. In 2023-24, he averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.9 offensive boards, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks on 53.7 percent shooting from the field.
Sengun hasn't yet established himself as a consistent shooter, but he boasts a career free throw percentage of 70.5 and made 33 three-point field goals last season.
Beyond the numbers, Sengun is a skilled post scorer, capable ball-handler, and excellent passer. He can create for himself and others against set defenses and top-tier defenders, and is one of the better offensive rebounders in the NBA when operating without the ball.
Sengun's defense isn't exactly worth writing home about, but it's worth noting that he's active in creating turnovers and ranked in the top 20 in defensive rebounding.
If the Lakers were to acquire Sengun, they'd be able to enter the next era with arguably the most talented interior duo in the NBA. Both Davis and Sengun can torment teams in the post, are willing passers, and have proven capable of knocking down an open jump shot.
It'd be a risky deal considering Sengun is looking for a max contract and the Rockets will want a hefty return in any potential trade negotiations, but it's a move that would solve a problem and position the Lakers to contend again.